Woakes learns from Anderson

England

All-rounder Chris Woakes cherished the superb example put in place by fast bowler James Anderson, as England kept command on day one of the final Test match against India at The Oval in London.

All-rounder Chris Woakes cherished the superb example put in place by fast bowler James Anderson, as England kept command on day one of the final Test match against India at The Oval in London.

Anderson has enjoyed a fine stretch of form throughout the five-match series, but largely took a backseat to Woakes on Friday. The talented right-armer secured telling figures of three for 30, as the Indians slumped to 148 all out.

"I speak to Jimmy quite often, particularly in net sessions, on what his thought processes are and what he tries to do with the ball. It's great to be working so closely with him," said Woakes.

"Obviously he is one of England's best ever – so he's not a bad guy to be learning off. I try to pick his brains as much as possible, and hope there's more of that to come."

The 25-year-old Woakes had not played Test cricket in a year prior to July's recalled ahead of the third match. He has since taken five key wickets – and contributed a handful of meaningful cameos with the bat.

"I think I've put a yard of pace on, a few miles per hour quicker. I think I'm a lot more accurate than I was maybe a year to 18 months ago. You can't give the better players any freebies, and I'd say I'm more accurate and a little bit quicker – which helps," he added.

The home side will resume on 62 without loss after 19 overs, as left-handed openers Alastair Cook and Sam Robson target a prompt lead – and a formidable first-innings total.

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